Titans Rule, a Levi Ackerman x Fem OC story.

(25) The gun.

~Amelia~

Everyone trudged up the hill in silence, the only sounds being the swishing of cloaks and the clanging of guns against their bodies. I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about fifteen- and sixteen-year-olds using firearms, but they were the trained soldiers, not me. All I had was my dagger and my will to survive.

Eventually, we reached the top of the hill and decided to take a brief rest. "That was a close one," Connie commented, glancing back at the cottage below. "What would have happened if we hadn't left right away?"

I noticed little specks of light bobbing below and faint shouts in the distance. "But why? What would make Commander Erwin...?" Armin directed his question at Levi.

"New orders came from the government. There's been a freeze on all Scout Regiment activities outside the Walls," Levi explained, pausing to let everyone absorb the news. Everyone perked up, listening intently. "It's to force us to hand over Eren and Historia."

I heard gasps ripple through the group. "By the way," the messenger interjected, "after I received Erwin's message, the Military Police came for him."

Hange looked outraged. "They're treating him like a criminal!"

"It appears they're not working from the shadows anymore; they're making their moves in plain sight," Levi added, referring to the Religion of the Walls, which secretly controlled the governance system behind the scenes.

"To go that far to protect the secrets of the Walls..." Hange pondered. "I wonder what they want with Eren and Historia. Maybe they're not looking to kill them but to control them instead—to showcase their power?"

"Who knows?" Levi sighed. "But it's clear that whoever is behind this wants both of them. That means it's too dangerous for us to linger here. Let's head to the Trost district."

Moblit shot him a strange look. "But why? That's the same place where Nick was murdered," he objected.

"It would be worse to head toward the Interior Walls. We would surely get arrested, as the Military Police concentrate their forces there. Trost is currently in chaos, which should keep them occupied. It will be relatively easy for us to sneak in. If we need to, we can use these," he said, gesturing to his ODM gear.

"True..." Armin agreed, though he still seemed unsure. Nonetheless, it was the best option we had. Anywhere within the Walls was dangerous, with Erwin behind bars. At least in Trost, we could gather some supplies before moving on.

"Plus, since we don't know exactly who we're up against, we're at a disadvantage. We need to find out who is behind this..." He trailed off. "Hange, let me borrow some of your squad."

"Of course," they replied, glancing sadly at their squad mates. They didn't want to part with them, but there was no other choice. "Right, I'm going after Erwin. His freedom is as vital as ensuring the safety of Eren and Historia. Moblit, you come with me. The rest of you go with Levi," they ordered.

"Roger!" their squad shouted.

"Hange," Eren called out. "Here..." He handed them a piece of paper. "I suddenly remembered a conversation I overheard between Ymir and Bertholdt. I didn't have time to tell you, but it's all in here."

"Got it," they replied, tucking the paper into their pocket. "I'll take a look at it later."

"Hange," I said, calling after them. "Be safe."

Hange turned back from their horse, flashing me a reassuring smile. "I will."

Levi waved them off. "Now, let's head out. We can devise a plan on the way to Trost," he ordered, slinging his gun back over his shoulder.